Youth Empowerment
We foster youth leadership and participation by strengthening engagement, wellbeing, and entrepreneurial mindsets.
Championing youth for a green and fair future
We put young people at the heart of everything we do, equipping them with the tools and resources to drive change and unlock their full potential.
As an independent charity, founded by Anglo American, we’re dedicated to championing the next generation.
Unlocking young people’s potential
Today’s world is young. More than 80% of the world’s youth live in the Global South, where economies are rapidly changing – but opportunities are still out of reach for too many.
A job is just one part of the equation. True agency unlocks when young people have the tools to grow, the confidence to lead, and the power to shape what comes next. With economic opportunity, young people gain independence and stability. With voice and influence, they drive change.
When these pieces come together, young people don’t wait for the future – they build it.
The Global South holds the largest generation of young people in history. Their potential is the world’s greatest untapped asset. We are here to unlock it. Because when young people rise, we all do. It’s time to invest in them – and in our shared future.
Our approach A job is just one part of the equation. True agency unlocks when young people have the tools to grow, the confidence to lead, and the power to shape what comes next. With economic opportunity, young people gain independence and stability. With voice and influence, they drive change.
When these pieces come together, young people don’t wait for the future – they build it.
The Global South holds the largest generation of young people in history. Their potential is the world’s greatest untapped asset. We are here to unlock it. Because when young people rise, we all do. It’s time to invest in them – and in our shared future.
Our priorities
We believe young people hold the key to solving today’s challenges. Their bold ideas, boundless energy, and drive to create change are at the heart of everything we do. By focusing on the interconnected priorities – youth empowerment and economic opportunities – together, we are building a green and fair future.
Economic Opportunities
We create jobs and improve incomes by addressing market failures and opening paths to sustainable livelihoods.
How we work
Our approach is deeply collaborative. We listen, learn, and act alongside young leaders, local organisations, and global partners to break down barriers and create sustainable pathways for youth empowerment and economic opportunity.
We champion bold ideas, challenge outdated narratives, and tackle the market failures that hold young people back from shaping their own futures.
Find out more We champion bold ideas, challenge outdated narratives, and tackle the market failures that hold young people back from shaping their own futures.
Latest updates
Explore the latest collection of stories of innovation, collaboration, and impact from our community.
Featured
Catalytic Philanthropy and the G20: South Africa’s Moment on the Global Stage
South Africa takes the global stage as host of the G20, and philanthropy is stepping up. Through catalytic partnerships across youth leadership, green economic opportunities, and inclusive growth, the Anglo American Foundation is showing how local action can shape global change.
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Unlocking Catalytic Change Through Philanthropy
We were proud to join Unilever and the South African Plastics Pact for a week of lively conversations in Cape Town, shining a light on how philanthropy, business, and government can come together to unlock catalytic change in the circular economy.
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Supporting Young Minds for Strong Futures
Mental health is where confidence and opportunity begin. Discover how the Anglo American Foundation and its partners are helping young people build emotional strength and shape brighter futures in Peru and South Africa.
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Acting with Urgency: How AAF & Philanthropy Showed Up at UNGA80
At UNGA80 and Climate Week in New York, Michael Mapstone highlighted the need for philanthropy to move beyond talk and act with urgency.
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Michael Mapstone’s Call to Action at WINGS, UNGA 2025
At a WINGS event cohosted by Anglo American Foundation, Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, and the European Union during UNGA 2025, Michael Mapstone challenged philanthropy to move beyond talk and act with urgency — shifting capital to match local pace, backing ecosystems, and building different tables where communities lead.
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Unlocking Capital in Latin America: Our Partnership with LUCHA
Our partnership with LUCHA is helping overlooked founders in Latin America access the capital, tools, and visibility they need to grow enterprises that put people and planet first.